User Posts : The Southwest Voice

A Christmas Wedding Christmas as it Should Be... Happily-Ever-After!

Congratulation to this years winners
Crystal Rustman and Roger Towns

Christmas as it Should Be... Happily-Ever-After!

The Annual Downtown Christmas Parade will take on a special meaning for one lucky couple, who were selected as the winners of this year's Christmas Parade Wedding. Crystal Rustman and Roger Towns will tie the knot in front of thousands of witnesses aboard the Kern County Bridal Association's Christmas Parade Float live on Thursday night. The Association, comprised of local wedding businesses, sponsors the entire wedding at no cost to the bride and groom (with the exception of their marriage license). After the live wedding atop the parade float, the couple and fifty of their closest friends and family will enjoy a private cake and punch reception. "This is the third year we've done the Christmas Parade Wedding",
said Kern County Bridal Association founder Kyle Brown, "and we're more excited than ever for this year's winners! All of our members, even those who aren't directly involved as sponsors, love this event. It's a way for us to give back the community by helping one couple have a wedding they might not otherwise be able to afford in today's economy. The wedding and reception has a long list of participating businesses, including:
Be Our Guest! 25-Free Wedding Invitations Bella Noche Events Bridal Indulgence Cookies Couture Good Time Entertainment Hair by Carleen at Le Vuitton Full Body Boutique OccasionOgraphy Kern County Bridal Association Ladies & Gents Bridal Mr. Tuxedo Randy Urner's Outside Reverend Albert M. Haywood The Links at Riverlakes Ranch Uniquely Chic Florist Boutique Vintage Limousine With Love Photography
The wedding includes gown, tuxedo, flowers, disc jockey, officiant, coordinator, hair, makeup, transportation, photography, announcements, favors and of, course, the float in the parade. "They are way too cute", says Tara Fernandez, owner of Bella Noche Events and the sponsoring wedding coordinator, "I'm so happy to be a part of their special day!". "We're thrilled to add our facility to the list of sponsors this year", adds Cathy Frampton, Special Events Coordinator for The Links at Riverlakes Ranch, who are sponsoring the cake reception. "Well, it's always a challenge for us to get a couple from a contest entry to marriage in less than two weeks", concluded Kyle Brown, "but it's worth it!" Kern County Bridal Association will be decorating the float for this year's parade entry in the parking lot of Mr. Tuxedo at 2409 Brundage Lane beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 4th. "The Association is an active part of this community.", said Carl Leech, owner of Mr. Tuxedo and sponsor of the tuxedos, "and this gives us a chance to show off what do what we do best ... make some one's wedding a great experience!". Members of the community are invited to stop by the float decorating area to help out or just share their good wishes before the parade. We hope to see everyone there clapping their congratulations during the Christmas Parade beginning at 6pm on Thursday. For more information on the Parade Wedding, contact The Wedding Center at 633-9200. Kern County Bridal Association 531 H Street. Bakersfield, Ca 93304 661-633-9200

Win a Free Christmas Wedding from The Kern County Bridal Association

Click here for more information and to Enter

Kern County Bridal Association is pleased to announce the Annual Christmas Parade Float Wedding Give-Away.

Members of Kern County Bridal Association sponsor the annual free wedding, which will take place atop the Bridal Association's Float on December 4, 2008. The Bride and Groom will be selected from applications provided to the Association to receive a complete Wedding and Cake Reception sponsored by Kern County Bridal Association to include:

Bridal Gown sponsored by Ladies & Gents Bridal Gallery
Groom's Tuxedo sponsored by Mr. Tuxedo
Cake & Punch Reception for 50 guests sponsored by The Links at RiverLakes Ranch
Photographs sponsored by With Love Photography
Wedding Coordinator sponsored by Bella Noche Events
Limousine Service sponsored by Vintage Limousine
Disc Jockey services sponsored by Good Time Entertainment
Invitations sponsored by Be Our Guest Wedding Invitations
Officiant sponsored by Reverend Albert M. Haywood
Bride's Hairstyle sponsored by Hair by Carleen
3-Day 2-Night Getaway Accommodation Vacation provided by Kern County Bridal Association

*More may be offered closer to the event.

Click here for more information and to Enter

"The Association is proud to sponsor this annual community event", says founder Kyle Brown, "This will be our third year, and we can't wait! With the tough economic times, we're finding more and more people who just can't afford a big wedding with family and friends. This gives at least one lucky couple the opportunity to share their wedding with the entire city of Bakersfield. It's a 'Happy Holidays' wish from all of us in the Kern County Bridal Association".

Applications will be accepted beginning November 12th at 9am and ending Wednesday, November 20th at 5pm, and there is no cost to participate. Application forms are available at participating sponsors, online at www.TheBestWeddings.com and at The Wedding Center, 531 H Street in Bakersfield. Winners will be announced November 21st. For more information, contact Kern County Bridal Association offices in The Wedding Center, 661.633.9200.

Click here for more information and to Enter

2007 Winners Tracy and Richard

2006 Winners Alice and Andy

Click here for more information and to Enter

How to Win A Halloween Costume Contest

With Halloween right around the corner, costumes are on every ones mind right now. Everyone wants to have a unique costume that blows people away, however, most people fall short. Well grab a drink, take notes and relax because whether you're competing at a friend's party, or at a night club costume contest we've got the inside secrets for you on what the judges are looking for.

Rule number one:
Forget the idea of going to your local party store for the latest Halloween costume like Cat Woman, Iron Man or any such nonsense. Now this is not to say the party store or local costume shop is completely worthless, use it for ideas to the start of your costume. Not only do the costumes sold there look cheap and you look cheesy wearing them, but they are completely unoriginal and boring. Focus more on finding an idea from the combination of their costumes that's new and exciting.

Rule number two:
Pick a costume that fits your personality AND your body. You may want to dress up as a stripper nun, but there's nothing more displeasing than seeing a person who spent more time getting into their costume than they did making it. There are plenty of wonderful ideas for the people who don't fit the Barbie mold, don't stress over it, accept reality, and spend your time finding the right costume for you. (like thinking of costumes that can mock the Barbie mold).

Rule number three:
Avoid dressing up like unknown characters/people or making your costume hard to "get".

Rule number four:
Run your costume by at least 5 people before the big event. No, not your mother she doesn't count. Get the opinions of at least 3 to 5 people who will not lie to you. If they don't get it, think its stupid, or just too cliché, take their advice and try mixing it up.

Rule number five:
Cute only works for kids. Grown up costume contests don't have to be all serious, but stay away from "cute" ideas. A five year old in pig tails dressed up like a baby is adorable, a grown up doing the same is just lame. Know when you're too mature to pull it off.

Rule number six:
This one is for all the couples out there picking out Halloween Costumes. Couples costumes are probably the hardest of all to make unique. Please avoid the popular yet utterly unoriginal ideas of going as things such as Romeo and Juliet or a pimp and a hooker. Try for something that is not usually a "couples" theme. You don't have to be a man and a woman or even something that people would normally associate of going together.

Rule number seven:
Making fun of popular culture is a gold mine. The more hilarious your costume is and the more it mocks a famous person that has been in the spot light recently the better. Just make sure it's someone and something lots of people know about. Do not however make fun of people's horrible misfortune like a disease or handicap for some good ideas watch this video from knots scary farm Halloween haunt the hanging (Knots Berry Farm)

Rule number eight:
Popular costumes that seem unoriginal can be a success. You just have to know how to put a new twist on them. The favorites can be a good thing when used correctly; you just have to come up with your own unique concept of them.

Rule number nine:
Be the character you're portraying. If you don't like your costume no one else will either. This rule especially applies to horror costumes; they are the hardest to pull off. In order to fully win people over with your costume they have to believe it. Anyone can dress up like Freddy Kruger but don't try unless you can seriously scare someone by doing it.

And last but certainly not least...
Rule number ten: HAVE FUN! All in all, costumes are supposed to be fun and exciting. It is a chance for you break out of yourself and put on someone else persona for a while. No one likes a spoil sport and even if you don't win, you'll still be happy if you had a blast doing it!

karaoke

Free Cat to Good Home

Free Cat to Good Home
Owner moved and this Beautiful Siamese Cat is now FREE to a good home. Female, spayed, approximately 3 years old. Clover is loving and playful, but needs a single-cat household. Shots up to date (Oct) - records in Seattle, WA. For info call LeeAnn 979-1198. or
Kyle at 661-633-1949

Platinum Weddings at Seven Oaks Country Club May 18th 2008 ~ The Elite Bridal Experience

UPDATE Platinum Weddings at Seven Oaks will include Valet Parking for all guest who attend.

Platinum Weddings at Seven Oaks ~ The Elite Bridal Experience
Sunday, May 18th
11:00 am VIP /12 Noon General Admission to 3:00 pm
Produced by the Kern County Bridal Association 661-633-9200
Click here for more information and purchase tickets!

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors

Click here for more information and purchase tickets!

Show Information

A truly different bridal event for the bride who wants to be pampered!
Champagne service will set this show apart from a standard "bridal fair".

$50,000 PLATINUM PRIZE
Roll our Platinum dice to spell W-E-D-D-I-N-G and you could win $50,000 cash! Use it for your wedding, have a fabulous honeymoon; or budget well and do both! Every ticket holder can roll the dice once, so bring your entire Wedding Party to improve your chances of walking away with $50,000 CASH!

11:00 a.m. Champagne Brunch These tickets are limited and will be available to the brides registered with the association before the general public.
Registration has it's perks and it's fast & free. Click here to register

12:00 noon Doors open
This is the show for the discerning Bride and Groom who demand the utmost attention to detail. It will be a smaller, upscale event showcasing the top wedding professionals in their fields. Unlike other bridal shows, this show has a limited number of tickets available to the public. Our goal is to provide couples with an opportunity to see the very best, talk with the exhibitors one-on-one and ask real questions in an intimate environment. We will not have a traditional Fashion Show; instead this event will include a New York style walk-around where the models will be mingling with the crowd throughout the event.

Click here for more information and purchase tickets!
This event is produced by
Kern County Bridal Association 661-633-9200 531 H Street Bakersfield, Ca 93304

16th Annual Bakersfield Festival of Beers Sponsered in Part by Good Time Entertainment & 1Bakersfiel

The 16th Annual Bakersfield Festival of Beers

Presented by the Bakersfield Active 20 30 club
April 26th 2008 1 to 5pm

1Bakersfield.com & Good Time Entertainment will be giveing away
2 pair of General Admission Tickets and 1 Pair of VIP Tickets to

The 16th Annual Bakersfield Festival of Beers
Please visit our website and fill in the form to enter yourself in the drawing

Click here to Enter

Enjoy the Music of Good Time Entertainment

Old School, Disco & 80

Must be born on or before April 26th 1987

Getting Married In The Information Age

Wedding Planning Goes Green With Bridal Shows,

Saving Gas, Money & Valuable Time.

In this “Information Age” computers bring the world to our fingertips. Planning a wedding? One click of the mouse can have you surfing through gowns, tuxedos, invitations, locations, limos, photographers, entertainment and more in no time. It’s great information from a store that never closes, but to touch, smell, feel and taste requires contact.

Bridal shows provide easy access to a variety of products and services. They offer new ideas, cost information for budget planning, and a way to meet vendors in person - all under one roof. Plus, you can pick up free copies of wedding publications (often saving more than the cost of admission!), obtain discounts for booking at the show, and register to win prizes. Most importantly, a show gives busy couples an opportunity to experience in less than four hours: taste the cake, touch the dress, feel the invitations and meet the service providers knowing that the ones you hire will be as close as family by the time you’re through.

“Go Green” by conserving your most valuable resources: time, energy and money.
Since we watched the ball drop on New Year’s Eve, “Go Green” has become The Anthem for 2008, but the concept goes beyond energy conservation. There is a delicate balance between well-intentioned change and tradition. The arrival of 2008 was heralded by a new energy-efficient ball that glowed brilliantly for the same amount of electricity used by 10 toasters; and more than 2,000 pounds of traditional, paper confetti. “Go Green” is a philosophy that encourages making the most of all the available resources. In wedding planning, “Go Green” is getting the most information with the least expense of time and energy; offered by a good Bridal Show.

Plan To Avoid The Stress
Here are some tips from Kern County Bridal Association (KCBA) on making the most of your bridal show attendance:

Pre-evaluate the show - does it appeal to your wedding interests?
Take a look at the exhibitor list to find out what products and services will be shown, and ask who is organizing the event. The people behind the show are critical to its success or failure, and broad perspective is a must.

Have your details ready and bring your appointment book.
Come to the show realizing that talking at length is best done after the event. Be prepared to quickly list the pertinent details (date, time, names and location) and schedule appointments for later. Save valuable time by printing out labels with your information including mailing address and telephone numbers for drawings.

Prioritize the categories and vendors you want to see.
Are there some services you already have? Commit to skipping those booths so you have the time and energy to see the things you still need. Pick up printed materials (business cards, brochures, etc.) so you can access them after the show.

Hate crowds? Plan to avoid them.
Pre-register to avoid the line (VIP is well worth it whenever possible). If you already have your attire, spend the Fashion Show visiting exhibitor booths. Remember, vendors are ready and willing to catch you on your way out.

Dress comfortably.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Carry in as little as possible so you’re able to manage a bag full of prizes and information.

For information on upcoming bridal events including Weddings 2008 on January 20th, visit Kern County Bridal Association at www.TheBestWeddings.com; or call 1-866-My-Wedding.

Courtesy of
Kern County Bridal Association
531 H Street, Bakersfield, Ca 93304
661.633.9200 www.TheBestWeddings.com

Kern County Bridal Association is Giving Away A Wedding

Call us at 661.633.9200

Have you dreamed of a wedding that is completely different from the normal vows and reception affair? Kern County Bridal Association and Days Inn of Bakersfield are proud to present “My Fair Wedding”, a free wedding extravaganza that will give one bride and groom a wedding ceremony and mini-reception held on the Opening Day of the Kern County Fair, September 19th, 2007.

My Fair Wedding is Sponsored by:
95.3 KLLY, The Kern County Bridal Association, Days Inn, Be Our Guest Wedding Invitations, Good Time Entertainment, Xpressions by Michelle, Bob West's Legacy Video, Real 2 Reel Productions, Noriega House, Mr Tuxedo, Riding Down Memory Lane, Beautologie by Dr Shaw, Notable Occasions

Click here for the Entry Form

WHO IS THE GIVE-AWAY OPEN TO:

Anyone who plans to get married between 2007-2010. You must be 18 years of age or older, or have completed the waiver necessary for those 16-18 from the department of Juvenile Services.

WHAT DOES “MY FAIR WEDDING” INCLUDE?

It’s a complete wedding package to be held publicly on the Fairgrounds at the Days Inn Pavilion on Opening Day, September 19th 2007. The exact time of the wedding has not yet been announced as heat, sunset time and the impact of other fair activities will have to be taken into account before a definitive time line is reached. The Fair opens at 4pm and closes at 11pm; with the opening day parade scheduled through the grounds at 6pm. “My Fair Wedding” will happen within those hours at a time to be determined.

There will be 15 days from the announcement of the wedding winners September 4 and the actual wedding September 19th. Those will be two very busy weeks as we attempt to consolidate months or even years worth of planning into such a small time period. The decorations, invitations and many of the concepts will have been prepared before the entries are even completed; but we will still need time for fittings (depending on the attire chosen), plans for the ceremony, reception planning event, preferred style of hair and makeup, addressing/mailing guest invitations, selection of accessories (such as toasting glasses, guest book, etc.) and more. These appointments may involve groups of the wedding party, not just the bride and groom.

On the day of the event, the bride and groom and their wedding party, if applicable) will be whisked away early for dressing, hair and makeup appointments and a quick word with the clergy. The post-ceremony cake and punch reception will be short enough to not interfere with other fair activities, but long enough to include all the standards like specialty dances (Father/Daughter, Mother/Son, Bride & Groom’s First Dance and Bridal Party Dance, Bouquet Toss, Garter Throw, etc.).

In short, it will be a very public and very unique wedding; one that has never been offered before and may never be again.

HOW DO YOU ENTER
Click here for the Entry Form

There is an entry page here online, and one available in our office at 531 H Street in Bakersfield. Simply complete the questionnaire and return it (drop off, enter online or mail) by August 31st. Our team will evaluate the entries (keeping the information private, of course), and call the top 5 entries back for a personal one-on-one meeting to decide a winner.

Click here for the Entry Form

WHAT DOES THE PACKAGE INCLUDE?

This is a preliminary list of what’s offered in the package, and more may be added later after the next Kern County Bridal Association Meeting on September 4th. For now, here is a the starting package:

Wedding Ceremony performed by Reverend Mike Haywood on top of the Days Inn Pavilion at the Fairgrounds
DJ/MC for Ceremony and Reception
Invitations - 50 beautiful personalized invitations
Videography during the event and keepsake Wedding Video
Photographer
Hair and Make Up Design
Horse-drawn carriage for fair parade
Decorations for tables, ceremony & reception
Consultation with Dr. Shah & Associates Beautologie Experts
3-Days and 2-Nights Resort Stay in your choice of such Honeymoon favorites as Honolulu, Acapulco, Las Vegas, Niagara Falls and the Poconos.
Possible sponsorship of attire,depending on what style of dress is preferred by winner.

Click here for the Entry Form

*More may be offered closer to the event.

Karaoke In Bakersfield reaches new heights

The “Rock Around the Clock to the Chevy Showdown at the Kern County Fair” Karaoke Contest is off to a big start. It’s common knowledge that Bakersfield has a wealth of singing talent, but some of the very best have already begun winning their way to the fair show.

If you haven’t heard about it yet, here are a few details.

There are seven qualifying karaoke contests going on right now at participating bars and restaurants. Each contest night, those locations determine a male and female winner who will move on to compete against one another during the last week of August in the location semi-finals. Those semi-finals will decide who will represent their location at the Chevy Showdown Karaoke Finale Show at the Kern County Fair. Nightly contest winners receive only their accolades on stage and in our newsletter “Karaoke in Bakersfield”, but more importantly their wins have secured their chance to move on and possibly represent their location in the competition that will end September 24th at the Kern County Fair ... the largest venue in town.

The “Chevy Showdown” Karaoke Competition will be held on top of the Three-Way Chevrolet Stage on September 24th for the titles of Male and Female Vocalist of Year plus a $500 Cash Prize and a recording session. There are also awards to be given to the Best Singing Location (from those in the contest), DJ/KJ of the Year, Best Song Selection and Best Rotation of Singers. Organizers say they are seeking more prizes, such as music, microphones and other equipment, to be donated by sponsors prior to the event. The contest is being sponsored by Three-Way Automotive Group, Kern County Fair, Good Time Entertainment and Buckley Broadcasting, home of KLLY 95.3 Radio.

How do you get involved? First, call Good Time Entertainment at 633-9200 to get on the mailing list to receive contest updates and newsletters. Secondly, visit one of these great locations and sing your little heart out. If you’re not ready for the contest yet, there’s still plenty of open mic singing for everyone. *Please note: Kosmos on Thursdays at 7:30 is the only venue open to singers under 21 years old. Finally, if you don’t win the first night, come out again and again until you qualify for the semi-finals at one or more location. You can enter as many contests as you like, with as many songs as you like, until the semi-finals the last week of August. Then, however, contestants must commit to a single location to represent during the Finale Performance at the Fair.

Here are the current contest rules and nights (full information is on the web site).. Next week will be week #3 of the competition. Organizers say they may add last-minute contests up to week #4 if those contests are able to produce to qualified singers for the finale in September on a 4-week competition schedule. For details, call Kyle Brown at 633-9200; or visit the website www.KaraokeInBakersfield.com.

Mondays

Schweitzer’s Pit Stop, Rosedale Highway, 9pm, adults only, DJ “Sing It Like You Mean It”

Tuesdays

Le Corusse Rouge, White Lane, 8pm, adults only, DJ “Sing It Like You Mean It”

Wednesdays

Cactus Valley Restaurant, Rosedale Highway, 9pm, adults only, DJ “Sing It Like You Mean It”

Thursdays

Kosmos Restaurant & Sports Bar, 19th and H Streets, 7:30pm, Youth 0-20yrs, DJ Good Time Entertainment
January’s Skylark Lounge, Airport Drive, 9pm, Adults, DJ Red House Productions
The Wright Place, Mt. Vernon Ave., 9pm, Adults, DJ Red House Productions
Kosmos Restaurant & Sports Bar, 19th and H Streets, 9:30pm, Adults 21+, DJ Good Time Entertainment

There are no current contests scheduled Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Other accelerated contests may be announced for the first week in August. Remember, the Fairgrounds Finale September 24th will be broadcast LIVE on the Internet as well as across the Fairgrounds on two Giant Video Screens. Whether you sing or just enjoy a good show, come on out and cheer on your favorites! If you have any questions, or need additional information, call Good Time Entertainment at 633-9200.

Weddings 101: Make your walk down the aisle a walk in the park

He finally proposed, and she said YES! Now what?

That dilemma is facing many Kern County brides-to-be this April. What do you do first? How much time and money should be allocated to the monumental task of tying the knot?

Here are a few facts about weddings for consideration:

Average cost:
A typical wedding in our area can range from a simple $500 courthouse affair to an extravagant event with guests in the hundreds. The average cost is $22,167.

Most expensive item on the budget:
The biggest bite out of the budget usually comes from food/catering. When you purchase catering from any larger hotel or restaurant, the facility itself is gratis, providing you meet the minimum meal count requirements.

Most important to the bride before the wedding:
The dress and her overall appearance.

Most important after the wedding:
The memories as evidenced in guest recollections, photo and video.

Least obvious important consideration:
Master of Ceremony / disc jockey / entertainment. Let’s face it: in 10 years no one will remember if they had chicken, beef or fish to eat, but everyone will remember whether or not they had a great time at the event.

Ironically, entertainment accounts for less than 6 percent of the average budget, but is credited with 80 to 90 percent of the perceived success of the event.

Let’s walk through planning an average wedding using the time guidelines published in the Kern County Bridal Association’s Free Wedding Planner, "The Wedding Book."

Keep in mind that these time lines can be consolidated as needed to fit into any schedule.

12 to 18 months before the wedding

• Select a wedding date and time. Keep in mind any religious counseling requirements, school and work schedules.

• Make announcements to friends and family. Consider using a save-the-date announcement mailed to the entire guest list if you have 9 to 18 months before the wedding.

• Set a tentative budget.

• Designate the wedding party.

• Choose ceremony and reception locations.

• Attend area bridal shows. The next Kern County Bridal Association Bridal Show is Sunday, April 9, at Holiday Inn Select. Call 633-9200 for tickets and information.

9 to 12 months before the wedding

• Decide on a color scheme for attire, flowers and decorations. Tip: Keep colors seasonal to keep the costs reasonable.

• Order bridal attire.

• Interview, select and confirm photographer with deposit.

• Interview, select and confirm videographer with deposit.

• Select florist / decorator and confirm with deposit.

• Select MC, disc Jockey and/or musicians and confirm with deposit.

For a complete list, obtain your free planner at over 50 KCBA member locations, or call The Wedding Center at 633-9200.

User Posts : The Southwest Voice

A Christmas Wedding Christmas as it Should Be... Happily-Ever-After!

Win a Free Christmas Wedding from The Kern County Bridal Association

How to Win A Halloween Costume Contest

Free Cat to Good Home

Platinum Weddings at Seven Oaks Country Club May 18th 2008 ~ The Elite Bridal Experience

Show Information

16th Annual Bakersfield Festival of Beers Sponsered in Part by Good Time Entertainment & 1Bakersfiel

The 16th Annual Bakersfield Festival of Beers

Presented by the Bakersfield Active 20 30 club April 26th 2008 1 to 5pm

Click here to Enter

Getting Married In The Information Age

Wedding Planning Goes Green With Bridal Shows,

Saving Gas, Money & Valuable Time.

Kern County Bridal Association is Giving Away A Wedding

Karaoke In Bakersfield reaches new heights

Weddings 101: Make your walk down the aisle a walk in the park

Presented by the Bakersfield Active 20 30 club
April 26th 2008 1 to 5pm